Ragnar Relay, Tennessee

by Jennifer Rudloff, on November 04, 2011

According to the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index®, Tennessee is ranked as the eleventh worst state in the nation in overall well-being. In terms of physical health, Tennessee falls below the national average, ranking among the bottom five states in the country with the highest rates of diagnoses for high blood pressure (36.1 percent), high cholesterol (29.7 percent) and diabetes (14 percent). In addition, 28.9 percent of the population is obese and only 50.2 percent of Tennessee residents exercise on a regular basis (three or more times a week for 30 minutes or longer each time.) Tennessee's state of health and well-being is hurting us, and while it's a long road ahead, we think it's time that we make a change.

Healthways is a proud sponsor of the second annual Tennessee Ragnar Relay. Today, hundreds of runners took their mark in Chattanooga, TN on a journey toward Nashville….on foot. Teams of 12 runners divide the journey into 36 legs across the Volunteer State. It’s a great chance for our Healthways colleagues and runners to improve their social, emotional, and physical well-being with groups of friends and a little healthy competition. Ragnar aims to inspire people and communities through a visual model of fun, healthy exercise and sportsmanship. Teams are taking a great step towards reducing obesity and encouraging Tennesseans to get active and take advantage of the long-term benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

Last week, Dr. Fitness interviewed Healthways own Reggie Ramsay. They talk about the health and fitness of our nation and about Healthways partnership with Ragnar. Be sure to listen to the audio podcast below!